Italian white wine

Italy’s white wines can offer wine lovers a delicious journey through the country’s diverse regions. From the crisp elegance of Pinot Grigio from Friuli-Venezia Giulia to sunny Sardinian Vermentino, these wines showcase Italy’s rich winemaking heritage. Each region brings unique winemaking twists and grape varieties, creating versatile wines you must try at least once.

Several white wine grape varieties call Italy home, with some of the most popular varieties including:

Pinot Grigio – Mostly grown in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige, this grape makes light, crisp wines with green apple and pear flavours and floral aromas.

Glera – The standout grape in Veneto, Glera has bright green apple and citrus flavours, plus floral aromas. It’s known for creating Prosecco – the refreshing and lively sparkling wine.

Verdicchio – Mainly from Marche, Verdicchio features citrus and almond flavours with herbal scents. It produces versatile wines, ranging from light and crisp to more full-bodied styles.

Vermentino – Found in Tuscany and Sardinia, Vermentino is known for its bright acidity and summery lime and peach flavours. It has floral and herbal aromas, producing fresh, mineral-driven wines like Vermentino di Gallura.

Fiano – Fiano boasts honeyed flavours with notes of hazelnut and tropical fruit. Its aromatic profile includes floral and spice hints, making it ideal for rich, textured wines like Fiano di Avellino.

Trebbiano – Widely grown across Italy, Trebbiano produces neutral wines with subtle citrus flavours and floral aromas. It’s often used in blends and is a key ingredient in Orvieto wines.

White wines are made throughout Italy, stretching from Trentino-Alto Adige to the north and Sicily to the south.

Campania – Known for its volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate, Campania grows Fiano and Greco grapes. These produce rich, aromatic wines with honeyed, floral notes and vibrant acidity.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia – Located in northeastern Italy, this region features a hilly terrain and continental climate with Adriatic influences. The soil is mainly marl and sandstone. It is known for its Friulano and Pinot Grigio grapes, which produce crisp, aromatic wines.

Lombardy – Known for its varied climate and glacial lakes, Lombardy features mineral-rich soils. It excels in sparkling wine production with wines such as Franciacorta, which are made from Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco.

Sicily – With a Mediterranean climate, Sicily’s volcanic and sandy soils are home to Carricante and Grillo grapes. These create vibrant wines with citrus and mineral notes, like Etna Bianco.

Trentino-Alto Adige – Nestled in the Alps, this region has a mountainous topography and a cool, alpine climate. Limestone and dolomite soils allow aromatic grapes like Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer to thrive.

Tuscany – While famous for its reds, Tuscany’s coastal areas produce notable whites. The Mediterranean climate and clay-limestone soils suit Vermentino grapes, creating fresh, mineral-driven wines.

Italy is home to a range of distinctive white wines, each with its unique palate of flavours and characteristics.

Some of the most popular include:

Pinot Grigio – One of the most popular white wines worldwide, Pinot Grigio is light, zesty and fresh. Expect notes of apple, pear, citrus and white flowers

Gavi – Made using Cortese grapes from the Piedmont region, Gavi wines are refreshing and well-balanced, with richer notes of lemon, peach and apple.

Verdicchio – One of Italy’s most versatile white wines, Verdicchio is a dry, bright white wine brimming with citrus and almond notes.

Soave – A white blend from Veneto, Soave is primarily made from the Garganega grape. Its vibrant acidity makes it a great companion for various dishes, as does its dry style, light body and notes of ripe pear, citrus and almond.

Prosecco – Arguably Italy’s most famous sparkling wine, Prosecco is known for its lively bubbles and refreshing style. Made from Glera grapes in Veneto, it offers bright flavours of crisp green apple, honeydew melon, pear and honeysuckle.

Asti Spumante – A sparkling wine out of Piedmont, Asti Spumante is a popular choice made from Moscato Bianco grapes. This sweet and vibrant white sparkling wine typically has summery notes of nectarine, peach and orange blossom.

Italian white wines can be even more delightful paired with the right food.

Pinot Grigio, with its crisp acidity and green apple notes, pairs deliciously with light seafood dishes like prawns or calamari, adding a freshness to each bite. A glass of Verdicchio, known for its citrus and almond flavours, can complement roasted chicken or herby dishes, balancing its rich and savoury elements. Vermentino’s bright acidity and lime notes make it a great match for grilled fish or Mediterranean salads.

Prosecco, a popular sparkling wine, pairs perfectly with a wide variety of food, from soft cheeses and fresh fruits to prosciutto – its bubbles and green apple flavours cleanse the palate and contrast the saltier elements. You could pair it with light angel cake for a fabulous party pick-me-up.